Utilization of Bifunctional Catalyst for Biodiesel Production from Palm Kernel Oil

Palm empty fruit bunch (PEFB) and Titanium oxide (TiO2) formulation was considered as a heterogeneous bifunctional catalyst for simultaneous esterification-transeterification of palm kernel oil (PKO) for biodiesel production. The bifunctional catalyst, Titanium oxide-Palm empty fruit bunch catalyst (TPEFBC), was synthesized from acid impregnated PEFB carbon and TiO2, calcined at 600˚C for 3 hours. Characterization result of PKO revealed high FFA (4.50%). Interactive effect analyses depict that the investigated process variables: reaction time, temperature, catalyst loading and methanol-oil-ratio (MOR) had significant effect on biodiesel yield. Reaction kinetics study was carried out at temperaures 45,60 and 75˚C. The kinetic data at 60˚C recorded coefficient of determination value (0.975) closest to unity thus best fitted the kinetic model with reaction order, 1.074. Gas chromatography result show that a biodiesel yield of 78.51% was achieved at 12:1 methanol to oil ratio, 1% catalyst loading, 333K reaction temperature and 180 minutes contact time. Results obtained suggest the capability of TPEFBC as a bifunctional catalyst for biodiesel production.